A thin layer of attractive material covering something less valuable or attractive underneath, or a deceptive outward appearance.
From French 'fournir' (to furnish), from Old French roots meaning 'to cover.' In woodworking, it originally referred to thin sheets of fine wood glued to cheaper wood, then metaphorically extended to mean a false or superficial appearance.
This word shows how language borrows from craftsmanship—furniture makers' technique of hiding cheap wood became our go-to phrase for fakery and pretense, proving that our most useful words come from watching people work.
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